Well, I'm finally pulling the trigger on a projector and a new AVR to run the show. For background, I have a small HT, semi-light controlled, as such. . However, I do plan to do a good bit of game day viewing, where light control will be a bigger problem. Planning on getting the Panasonic AU3000 projector and the Denon 3808 AVR. I almost put my money down on the new 4310, but not sure it is worth an extra $1,000 to get DPLIIz and Anchor Bay upscaling.

I would like any input those with experience with projectors and the new AVRs have to offer. I also am looking for the cheapest possible quality screen (gray and 106"). Thanks for the input.

Agree with the Panny and Denon, I built my own screen using material from Dazian and building a frame. Much cheaper and same quality picture as mfg'd brands.

Quick question, Dazian's grey screen has a gain of 1.6. I thought grey screens would have a lower gain to reduce ambient light reflections? Do I have this wrong, or is they screen just a different bird?

I used their matte white with a gain of 1.0 I believe, I think gray will give you better contrast and blacks, but that Panny does a pretty good job as is...the gray might not be as bright, especially in a room that you can't control the light.

I built my own screen as well. I used a recipe for paint that I found on the AVS forum and painted a 4'X 8' sheet of plastic wall panel. We had a very challenging room (lots of windows and daylight) but the little projector (optoma H31) and this screen performed well. The paint recipe should be easy to find it included a Behr metallic paint.

I was a long time member on the DIY Screen forum. Many paint formulas through the years, Super Deluxe, the various Behr versions, Mississippi Mud (one of the best), Roll methods, spray methods, etc... and finally using a mirror...

If done properly, especially with an HPLV spray gun you can get great results. For me, with all the testing, trial/error, I ended up using the Dazian screen material. They provide screens for the big movie houses.

Another option is Parkland Plastics Duro Therm panels. Usually can be found at home improvement stores. You want the thicker stuff (honey comb) smooth on one side. Works fantastic for a screen.

Depending on the amount of light control you have, my $150 DIY screen made of Wilsonart, Designer White (D354-60 ) laminate is proving to give fabulous results. I generally view with blinds over my one window that block all but ambient light and with a dimmer set just high enough to provide safe navigation in the room. Pretty dark, but not so you can't easily navigate or see to pick up your food or drink.

I've cranked up the lighting a ways too and it still performs wonderfully. The strength of your projector is, of course, also a big factor here.

If you are interested, here is an extremely informative thread (if you ignore his rant as he argues with a salesperson) that includes color and gain charts and very good directions on how to frame and mount it. Some photos of results too although I'm disappointed he used different scenes to display the different laminate colors.

Great stuff, just the kind of brain food I needed. I am a big DIY fan, but for some reason I fear I would be disappointed with the DIY screen. But given the enormous savings, I may have to try it. I do have an HPLV spray gun so that should help get a good coat.

And I'll check out the Planar projectors, as I had not looked at those.